US defence cos want 'level playing field' in India

NEW DELHI: Eyeing the lucrative Indian defence market, US companies on Saturday sought a "level" playing field and "fair evaluation" in the weapons bidding process in this country.

Showcasing their weapon systems at the Defence Expo here, top executives of two US companies said the military ties between the two countries were set to grow and the fate of civil nuclear deal will have no impact on this.

Former US Defence Secretary William Cohen, who heads the Cohen group of companies, indicated that the American companies were keenly watching the upcoming visit of Defence Secretary Robert Gates to India in terms of generating business.

Noting that Gates' two-day visit from February 26 was significant, Cohen told reporters, "we have stressed upon (US Defence) Secretary (Robert) Gates to ensure that US companies get a level playing field and fair evaluation in bidding for Indian contracts."

Cohen and Raytheon Asia Chief William P Doran said the US companies had on offer the most advanced technologies not available anywhere in the world.

"We look forward to being a reliable supplier and trusted partner of the Indian military for a long term," said Cohen and Doran, who are part of a large US Business delegation.

They noted that the arms deals had paved the way for "collaborations and joint ventures" between US and India firms and visualised a big jump in the defence ties.